Office system telepresence arrangement

ABSTRACT

A seating unit includes a base, a seat including a support surface mounted on the base and adapted to support a seated user thereon, a back supported by the base and extending upwardly from the seat to support the back of a seated user, and a display support coupled to the back so as to extend at least partially above the back, wherein the display support is adapted to position a display in a forwardly-facing orientation with respect to the seating unit at least partially above the back for use while located on the seating unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seating unit that supports a displayfor use within office settings conducive to video-conferencingapplications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a seating unit thatcomprises a base, a seat including a support surface mounted on the baseand adapted to support a seated user thereon, and a back supported bythe base and extending upwardly from the seat to support the back of aseated user. The seating unit further comprises a display supportcoupled to the back so as to extend at least partially above the back,wherein the display support is adapted to position a display in aforwardly-facing orientation with respect to the seating unit at leastpartially above the back for use while located on the seating unit.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide avideo-communication handheld device support that comprises a supportadapted to releasably position a video-communication enabled handhelddevice in a generally vertical orientation therefrom when the support isin an upright position, and a flexible body attached to the support, thebody being capable of being arranged in a first configuration thatpositions the support in a stable upright position from a generally flatsurface and a second configuration that positions the support in astable upright position on a narrow surface, wherein the flexible bodyfurther includes portions of the flexible body that extend below and oneither side of the narrow surface when positioned in the secondconfiguration, and wherein a video-communication enabled handheld devicemay be adjustably positioned on flat or narrow surfaces forvideo-communication applications in a variety of settings.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furnituresystem that comprises a display support adapted to position a display ina generally upright orientation for use in video-conferencingapplications, wherein the display support includes a first connector, aseating unit having a seat and a back, wherein the seating unit includesa second connector adapted to connect to the first connector andposition the display at least partially above the back of the seatingunit and in a generally upright orientation for use invideo-conferencing applications while located on the seating unit, andanother furniture unit that includes a third connector that is adaptedto connect with the first connector and position the display in agenerally upright orientation for use in video-conferencing applicationswhile located on the another furniture unit.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide avideo-conferencing office system, and in particular a seating unitwithin a video-conferencing office system that supports a displaybetween a storage position and at least one of a plurality of in-usepositions, wherein the display is supported at a vertical heightsubstantially similar to the vertical height of the head of a seateduser, thereby promoting face-to-face communication between an on-siteparticipant and a remote user. The seating unit further provides theability to support multiple displays from a single seating unit andprovide adequate viewing thereof even when a seated user is positionedwithin the seating unit. The seating unit may be utilized withinconventional seating arrangements, is highly efficient in use andincreases the overall effectiveness of a given office system byleveraging the space between on-site conference participants, and isparticularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be furtherunderstood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference tothe following written specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video-conferencing office systemincluding variations of a display-supporting seating unit positionedtherein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a seating unit;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pivotable display support assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sheath-style display support assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the seatingunit;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a slidable display support assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theseating unit;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment ofthe seating unit;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still yet another alternative embodimentof the seating unit;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the seatingunit of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pivotable display support assembly;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe seating unit;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the alternative embodiment of theseating unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a pivot assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment ofthe seating unit;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method of video-teleconferencing;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a video-communication handheld devicesupport;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the device support of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of video-conferencing furniture system;and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theseating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to various embodiments of the invention as orientedin the figures described below. However, it is to be understood that theinvention may assume various alternative orientations and stepsequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is alsoto be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated inthe attached drawings, and described in the following specification areexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Workers today often desire to communicate with individuals who may belocated in another physical place. For example, individuals who wish tocommunicate may be located in different cities, different buildings on acorporate campus, different floors or offices within a building, or oneworker may be working remotely from his home or travel destination.Additionally, many workers seek out “third-spaces” such as coffee shops,libraries, or outdoor venues as work spaces, and may desire tocommunicate with an individual who is not also present at the selectedthird-space. Video communication is often the preferred method ofcommunication between individuals because it affords the ability tocommunicate similarly to in-person communications. For example,individuals communicating via video may verbally exchange informationwhile still perceiving non-verbal information related to the otherparticipant or participants and the environment.

In today's office environments, specific conference rooms are oftendesignated for video communication and include the equipment necessaryfor video communication, namely a camera and a display. These rooms maybe so equipped at great cost. Other conference rooms and shared spacesmay lack dedicated equipment for video communication, and rarely willindividual work spaces include the necessary components. However, mayworkers carry one or more devices that allow for video communication,such as a tablet or phone.

Using one of these devices may allow for video communication, but maypresent a number of challenges depending on the environment. Forexample, laying a device on a work surface, such as a desk, may make itdifficult for a remote participant (visible on the screen of the device)to view fully the environment of the on-site participant. If there aremultiple on-site participants communicating with the remote participant,the remote participant may not be able to see both on-site individualssimultaneously. Utilizing a desk-top stand for a device may cause theremote participant to view the on-site participant and environment froman angle that would be avoided during in-person communication. In someinstances, an on-site participant may feel uncomfortable with the way heor she may be displayed to the remote participant due to this angle.Further, the positioning of the device on a table may cause the on-siteindividuals to adjust or limit the way they communicate with each other.This may result in awkward and less productive communications.

Various embodiments address these challenges by elevating the device toa location that more closely mimics in-person communication. Often videocommunication applications will display the upper body or head of aremote participant. Therefore, the video communication will be improvedby positioning the display relative to an on-site chair such that theimage of the remote participant's head is approximately at or near thelikely location of the participant's head should he or she physicallyoccupy the chair. Various embodiments described below illustrate how adevice might be positioned relative a chair or general officeenvironment to better mimic in-person communication and improve theexperience of all participants. Moreover, today's physical officeenvironment requires maximizing the use of limited floor plan space, andvarious embodiments disclosed herein leverage the often unutilized andvaluable space located between seated, on-site conference participants,such as the open area between chairs or other seating arrangements.

The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates an office systemthat includes multiple seating units 12 embodying the present invention.In the illustrated example, the office system 10 includes a seating unit12, supporting a single display arrangement 14, a seating unit 16supporting a dual display arrangement 18, a seating unit 18 c supportinga dual display arrangement 18 c, a seating unit 20 supporting a tripledisplay arrangement 22, and a seating unit supporting a headrest, singledisplay arrangement 14 e. Although various display arrangements areillustrated in the present example, it is noted that other variations ofsingle and multiple displays may be included.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the seating unit 12 includes a chairassembly 24 that includes a pedestal support assembly 26 that supportsthe chair assembly 24 above a floor surface 27, a control assembly 28supported by the pedestal support assembly 26, a seat assembly 30 and aback assembly 32, wherein the seat assembly 30 and the back assembly 32are supported by the control assembly 28.

As illustrated, the display arrangement 14 includes a single display 35pivotably supported from the back assembly 32 by a display supportassembly 37. In the illustrated example, the display 35 comprises avideo-conferencing handheld device such as a tablet releasably supportedwithin a display support 40. Although the video-conferencing handhelddevice comprises a table in the illustrated example, other suitablevideo-conferencing handheld devices such as portable computers, phonesand the like, may be utilized. While the display support 40 isconfigured to allow a user to easily attach or couple the display 35 tothe display support 40, alternatively, the display 35 may be permanentlyaffixed to or integrally formed with the associated display support 40.The display support assembly 37 allows the display 35 to be movedbetween a storage position and a plurality of in-use positions.Specifically, the display support assembly 37 is adapted to allow thedisplay 35 to be pivoted about a pivot axis 42, such that the display 35is pivotable between a storage position A, wherein the display 35 ispositioned behind the back assembly 32, and a variety of in-usepositions. In a first in-use position B, the display 35 is positioneddirectly above the back assembly 32 and does not extend significantlybeyond the sides of the back assembly 32. In a second in-use position C,the display 35 is positioned vertically and at least partially to theside of the back assembly 32. In-use position C allows an on-siteparticipant to view the display 35 while another on-site participant isseated within the chair assembly 24. Alternatively, the chair assembly24 and the display support assembly 37 may be configured such that thedisplay 35 is located within an internal cavity (not shown) of the chairassembly 24 when the display 35 is in the storage position A.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the seating unit 12 is configured suchthat the display arrangement 14 positions the display 35 at or near anatural head-height of a seated participant when the display 35 ispositioned within the first in-use position B or the second in-useposition C. Specifically, the display 35 is located at a height h abovean upper seating surface 44 of the seat assembly 30 when the display 35is in the first in-use position B or the second in-use position C. Theheight h is substantially the same as the height h′ (FIG. 1) of the headof a seated user positioned within a chair assembly 46 that is similarlyconfigured to the chair assembly 24. Preferably, the display 35 ispositioned between about 26 inches and about 34 inches above the seatingsurface or seat support surface 44, more preferably between about 27inches and about 33 inches above the seat support surface 44, and mostpreferably between about 29 inches and about 31 inches about the seatsupport surface 44. Positioning the display 35 at the height h and itsrelationship and substantial similarity to the height h′ of the head ofa seated user provides a natural viewing height for on-site participantsof remote participants through the display 35, thereby facilitating amore natural conference-like setting that mimics more closely in-personcommunication. In addition, when an on-site user is seated in chairassembly 24 and display 35 is positioned in in-use position C, theremote participant will have a view of the on-site discussion thatmimics the seated user's view. This may improve the remote participant'ssatisfaction with the communication, because he or she may be naturallyturned to face a speaker or display space within the room as the seateduser moves chair assembly 24 to face the speaker or display area.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of display support assembly 37. Displaysupport assembly 37 includes display support 40 and arm 41. Displaysupport 40 includes two channels 50 that are coupled together viabacking 52. Channels 50 are dimensioned to cradle an edge of a display.In some embodiments, channels 50 may be covered with rubber or othertacky material to prevent or lessen movement of the display whenpositioned in channels 50. Backing 52 includes springs 54 and slidingportions 56.

Sliding portions 56 move with respect to each other and allow thedistance between channels 50 to increase and decrease to accommodate avariety of device sizes and to accommodate the rotation of a devicebetween landscape and portrait orientations. Springs 54 allow channels50 to be pulled apart to insert or extract a device and provide tensionto secure the device between channels 50. Springs 54 may be selected byspring force to ensure that the spring force is substantially greaterthan a gravitational force associated with the heaviest display intendedto be used with the display support assembly 37. In various embodiments,display support 40 may too include additional channels, orientated at a90 degree angle from channels 50, such that each edge of a device isheld within a channel. Additionally or alternatively, display support 50may hold two or more corners of a device. Some embodiments may omitsprings 50 and may instead create tension between channels 50 in avariety of known ways.

Arm 41 is pivotably coupled to a chair, such as chair assembly 24. Itmay be formed integrally with one or more of the components of displaysupport 40, for example with one channel 50. Arm 41 may also be affixedto display support 40 in a variety of known methods. Arm 38 and/ordisplay support 40 may be permanently coupled to a chair or may bereleasably coupled such that a participant can remove the displaysupport, insert his device, and then re-couple it to a chair. In certainembodiments, display support 37 may include various additional oralternative components adapted to position the device at or near theheight of a participant's head. For example, display support assemblymay include a flexible neck and/or a mounting cup that relies in full orin part on suction to couple a display mount to a component of thechair, a sheath-style rigid member 610 (FIG. 4) that encloses one ormore edges of the display, and a variety or other related or knowncomponents suitable to position the device appropriately.

The reference numeral 14 a (FIG. 5) generally designates a singledisplay arrangement slidably supported from a chair assembly 24 a. Sincethe display arrangement 14 a and the chair assembly 24 a are similar tothe previously described display arrangement 14 and chair assembly 24,similar parts appearing in FIGS. 2-4 and FIGS. 5-6, respectively arerepresented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for thesuffix “a” and the numerals of the latter. The display arrangement 14 aincludes a display support 40 a slidably supported from back assembly 32a of the chair assembly 24 a by a slider arrangement 100 that is adaptedto allow the display 35 to be moved in a direction 102 and a direction103 between a first in-use position D located directly above the backassembly 32 a and not extending significantly beyond the sides of theback assembly 32 a, and a second in-use position E located at leastpartially to the side of the back assembly 32 a, thereby allowing use ofviewing of the display 35 from a position located in front of the backassembly 32 a while an on-site user is seated within the chair assembly24 a. In various embodiments, the display support 40 a may additionallyor alternatively slide to an in-use position located partially or fullyto the other side of the back assembly 32 a. As noted above with respectto display arrangement 14, the display unit 14 a is configured toposition the display 35 at a vertical height h above the seating supportsurface 44 a, wherein the height h is substantially the same as theheight h′. Positioning the display 35 at the height h and itsrelationship and substantial similarity to the height h′ of the head ofthe seated user provides a natural viewing height for on-siteparticipants of remote participants through the display 35, therebyfacilitating a more natural conference-like setting that mimics moreclosely in-person communication. In addition, when an on-site user isseated with chair assembly 24 and display 35 is positioned in in-useposition E, the remote participant will have a view of the on-sitediscussion that mimics the seated user's view. This may improve theremote participant's satisfaction with the communication, because he orshe may be naturally turned to face a speaker or display space withinthe room as the seated user moves chair assembly 24.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the display support assembly may alsoinclude a power source to provide power to the display 35, such as anelectrical line 612, and/or a battery module 614, which may be usedseparately or in tandem with one another. While the electrical line 612and battery module 614 are illustrated with respect to the displaysupport assembly as illustrated in FIG. 4, these and other power supplyarrangements may of course by incorporated into other embodiments of thedisplay support assembly as shown and described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates display arrangement 14 a. Display arrangement 14 acomprises an outer channel 60 and inner channel 62. Outer channel 60 isgenerally U-shaped and includes two side walls and a bottom wall. Theinterior surfaces of the side walls and bottom wall create an interiorspace that is dimensioned to support inner channel 62. Inner channel 62may slide horizontally in one or more directions with respect to outerchannel 60. Inner channel 62 may be removable from outer channel 60. Insome embodiments, outer channel 60 may include a stop that preventsinner channel 62 from sliding in a particular direction. Outer channel60 may be coupled to a chair back assembly in a variety of ways.

Inner channel 62 is also generally U-shaped and includes two side wallsand a bottom wall. The interior surfaces of the side walls and bottomwall create an interior space that is dimensioned to support or cradlean edge of a display device. In some embodiments, inner channel 62 maybe covered with rubber or other tacky material to prevent or lessenmovement of the display when positioned within inner channel 62.

The reference numeral 18 (FIG. 7) generally designates the dual displayarrangement that includes a pair of displays 35 each pivotably supportedfrom the back assembly 32 b of the chair assembly 24 b by the displaysupport assembly 37 b. Since the display arrangement 18 and the chairassembly 24 b are similar to the previously described displayarrangement 14 and chair assembly 24, similar parts appearing in FIGS.2-4 and FIG. 7, respectively are represented by the same, correspondingreference numeral, except for the suffix “b” and the numerals of thelatter. The display arrangement 18 includes a pair of display supports40 b configured similarly to display support 40 and pivotably supportinga corresponding pair of displays 35, such that the displays 35 arepivotable about respective axes 124, 126 between first in-use positionsF located at least partially above the back assembly 32 b, and secondin-use positions G located at least partially to the side of the backassembly 32 b, thereby allowing use of viewing of each of the displays35 from a position located in front of the back assembly 32 b while anon-site user is seated within the chair assembly 24 b. It is noted thatin the illustrated example, each display support assembly 37 b isseparately adjustable, and that one display support 40 b may be in thefirst in-use position F, while the other display support 40 b may be inthe second in-use position G. As noted above with respect to displayarrangement 14, the display unit 18 is configured to position thedisplays 35 at or near a vertical height h above the seating supportsurface 44 c, wherein the height h is substantially the same as theheight h′.

The reference numeral 18 c (FIG. 8) generally designates a dual displayarrangement slidably supported from a chair assembly 24 c. Since thedisplay arrangement 18 c and the chair assembly 24 c are similar to thepreviously described display arrangement 14 a and chair assembly 24 a,similar parts appearing in FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 8, respectively arerepresented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for thesuffix “c” and the numerals of the latter. The display arrangement 18 cincludes a pair of display support 40 c configured similarly to thedisplay support 40 a and slidably supporting a corresponding pair ofdisplays 35 from back assembly 32 c of the chair assembly 24 c by aslider arrangement 100 c that is configured similarly to the sliderarrangement 100. The slider arrangement 100 c is adapted to allow thedisplays 35 to be moved in sliding, linear directions 110, 112,respectively, between first in-use positions H located at leastpartially above the back assembly 32 c, and second in-use positions Ilocated at least partially to a side of the back assembly 32 c, therebyallowing viewing of the displays 35 while an on-site user is seatedwithin the chair assembly 24 c. It is noted that in the illustratedexample, each display support 40 c is separately adjustable, and thatboth display supports 40 c may be in similar positions or one displaysupport 40 c may be in the first in-use position H, while the otherdisplay support 40 c may be in the second in-use position I. As notedabove with respect to display arrangement 14, the display unit 18 a isconfigured to position the displays 35 at or near a vertical height habove the seating support surface 44 c, wherein the height h issubstantially the same as the height h′ illustrated in FIG. 1.

The reference numeral 22 (FIGS. 9 and 10) generally designates a tripledisplay arrangement pivotably supporting a plurality of displays 35 froma chair assembly 24 d. Since the display arrangement 22 and the chairassembly 24 d are similar to the previously described displayarrangement 14 and chair assembly 24, similar parts appearing in FIGS.2-4, 9 and 10, respectively are represented by the same, correspondingreference numeral, except for the suffix “d” and the numerals of thelatter. The display arrangement 22 includes a plurality of displaysupports 40 d pivotably supported from back assembly 32 d of the chairassembly 24 d by a pivot support arrangement 200. The pivot supportarrangement 200 includes a plurality of pivot assemblies 202 supportedfrom the back assembly 32 d by a support member 204. Each pivot assembly202 is adapted to allow an associated display 35 to move about a pivotaxis 206 such that each display 35 is pivotable with respect to the backassembly 32 d and independently pivotable with respect to one another,such that each of the displays 35 may individually face various anddifferent areas of the video-conferencing system and surrounding area.As noted above with respect to the display arrangement 14, the displayarrangement 22 is configured to position the displays 35 at or near avertical height h above the seating surface 44 c, wherein the height his substantially the same as the height h′. In various embodiments, aremote user may be able to control the position of the display, suchthat he or she can pivot the display remotely. This may allow the remoteuser to face an on-site speaker more directly or allow the remote userto scan the room while the remote user is speaking. Power to allowremoter control of the display may come from a power source coupled tothe chair like a battery or from the display itself.

FIG. 11 illustrates display arrangement 22. Display arrangement 22includes display supports 40 d pivotably supported from pivot supportarrangement 200. Pivot support arrangement 200 includes pivot assemblies220 adapted to pivotably support the display supports 40 d. Each pivotassembly 220 includes a pivot pin 222 pivotably received within a pivottube 224. Each pivot pin 222 is coupled with the overall chair assembly24 d, while each pivot tube 224 is coupled with a corresponding displaysupport 40 d. Each pivot tube 224 may be removed from the associatedpivot pin 222, thereby allowing a user to remove a display support 40 dfrom pivot support arrangement 200, couple or uncouple display 35 to orfrom the display support 40 d, and return the display support 40 d tothe pivot support arrangement 200.

The reference numeral 14 e (FIGS. 12 and 13) generally designates asingle display arrangement that includes a display 35 supported from theback assembly 32 e from the chair assembly 24 e by a reversibly pivotingheadrest assembly 250. Since the display arrangement 14 e and the chairassembly 24 e are similar to the previously described displayarrangement 14 and the chair assembly 24, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 2-4 and FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively are represented by the same,corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “e” and thenumerals of the latter. The headrest assembly 250 includes a pair ofheadrest supports 252 extending upwardly from the back assembly 32 andpivotably coupled to the sides of a headrest frame 254 such that theheadrest frame 254 may be pivoted about an axis 255 between a firstposition as shown in FIG. 12 and a second position as shown in FIG. 13.In the first position shown in FIG. 12, the support surface 251 is in aposition to support the head of a seated user. In the second positionshown in FIG. 13, the support surface 251 pivots approximately 180degrees such that it is above the rear side of the back assembly 32 eand the display 35 faces toward the front of the chair assembly 24 e andis viewable from a position in front of the chair assembly 24 e. Theheadrest frame 254 (FIG. 14) is pivotably supported by a pair of pivotassemblies 258 Each pivot assembly 258 includes a pivot shaft 270extending inwardly from an associated headrest support 252 and pivotablyreceived within a corresponding pivot aperture 272 extending into theheadrest frame 254. Each pivot shaft is secured within the correspondingpivot aperture 272 by a fastener 274. As noted above with respect to thedisplay arrangement 14, the display arrangement 14 e is configured toposition the display 35 at or near a vertical height h above the seatsupport surface 44 e, wherein the height h is substantially the same asheight h′ illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a headrest and a display. Thereference numeral 14 f generally designates a single display arrangementthat includes a headrest assembly 350, a support surface 351, and adisplay 35. Headrest assembly 350 is supported above a seat assembly 44f from a back assembly 32 f by a post-style coupling that positionssupport surface 351 above back assembly 32 f at a position suitable tosupport a seated user's head. In some embodiments, headrest assembly 350may move from side to side along the upper side of back assembly 32 f.Additionally or alternatively, headrest assembly 350 may pivot about anaxis 355.

Support surface 351 includes display 35. In some embodiments, display 35may be integrally formed with support surface 351 and support surface351 may be an emissive surface, for example, a surface that can bedriven by a computer to present information to on-site participants. Tofacilitate video communication, headrest assembly 350 may include aprocessor, one or more wireless access points, a database, and/or othersuitable components. In particular embodiments, support surface 351 maybe constructed to receive a device that includes display 35. Forexample, support surface 351 may be constructed to include a pocketsuitable to receive and retain a device that includes display 35.Similarly to FIGS. 12 and 13, display arrangement 14 f is configured toposition display 35 at or near a vertical height h above the seatsupport surface 44 f, wherein the height h is substantially the same asheight h′ illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method 300 for video-teleconferencing inaccordance with the various embodiments. Method 300 begins with a step302 of providing a plurality of seating units, each adapted to support aseated user thereon such that the head of the seated user is located ata first vertical height. The method 300 continues by including the step304 of providing at least one seating unit of the plurality of seatingunits with a display support adapted to support a display in aforwardly-facing orientation with respect to the seating unit so thatthe display is viewable from a position in front of the seating unit. Inaddition, the display support is further adapted to support the displayunit at a second vertical height that is substantially the same as thefirst vertical height for use in video-conferencing applications whilelocated on the seating unit. The method 300 may then include the step ofestablishing a connection with a remote user, the step 308 of displayingan image from the remote user on the device, the step 310 of sitting inat least one of the plurality of seats, and the step 312 of viewing thedisplay from one of the seating units not supporting the display. Themethod 300 may further include the step 314 of viewing the display whilea user is seated in the seating unit supporting the display.

The reference numeral 400 (FIGS. 17 and 18) generally designates avideo-communication handheld device support that includes a support 402adapted to releasably position a video-communication enabled handhelddevice or display 35 in a generally vertical orientation therefrom whenthe support 402 is in an upright position, and a flexible body 404attached to the support 402. The body 404 is capable of being arrangedin a first configuration (FIG. 17) that positions the support 402 in astable upright position above a generally horizontal surface 406, suchas a table, cabinet, or shelf. The body 404 is also capable of beingarranged in a second configuration (FIG. 18) that positions the support402 in a stable upright position above or on a narrower horizontalsurface 408, such as a chair back or partition wall.

In the illustrated examples, the support 402 includes alaterally-extending groove 412 defined between a pair of raised portions414, wherein one of the raised portions 414 extends to a greater heightthan the other of the raised portions 414. The flexible body 404includes a plurality of laterally-elongated segmented portions 410connected to one another via a flexible web 416. In the secondconfiguration shown in FIG. 1, the segmented portions 410 extend belowand on either side of the narrow surface 408.

In the illustrated example, the support 402, the segmented portions 410,and the web 416 comprise a fabric; however other suitable materials mayalso be utilized. The support 402 may either be permanently affixed toone of the segmented portions 410 or releasably coupled thereto via aplurality of magnets (not shown), hook-and-loop type fasteners, or othersuitable attachments. In some embodiments, the support 402 may bepivotably affixed to one of the segmented portions, such that a coupleddisplay may be pivoted with respect to the underlying surface. Further,the segmented portions 414 may be weighted, so as to properly balanceand stabilize the support 402 above a narrow surface and inhibit themovement of the device support 400. In some instances, the weight forthe segmented portions 410 may be in the form of a battery 418 adaptedto provide power to the display 35, or magnets positioned so as toattract to one another through the chair back assisting to secure and/orstabilize the support 402. The device support 400 may be utilized toprovide stable and adjustable support of a display 35 above otherfurniture or non-furniture related surfaces in a variety of settingswhich improves video-conferencing capabilities within an office whichoffers a variety of variously configured supported surfaces uniquelypositioned to mimic in-person communication. These various officeconfigurations include settings without formal video-conferencingsettings, but within which numerous on-site meeting participants maymeet, including individual offices and cubicles, small conferencingrooms, technical or laboratory rooms, class rooms, and the like.Benefits include the ability to easily transform any chair into atelepresence chair, transform any environment with a flat surface into avideo-conferencing environment, such as any environment that includes aworksurface or shelving. Benefits also include the ability of a user toset up display such that he can video-conference without havingphysically to hold the display allowing for hands-freevideo-conferencing and hands free engagement with the tablet.

FIG. 19 illustrates a furniture system 500 that includes a displaysupport 502 supporting a display 35 in a generally upright orientationfor video-conferencing applications, wherein the display support 502(FIG. 20) includes a first connector 504 releasably received within asecond connector 510. In the illustrated example, the first connector iseither fixedly or removably attached to a display support 512 thatreleasably supports a display 35. The second connector 510 includes anelongated channel secured to the overall chair assembly 24 g. Thechannel 510 includes a bottom wall 514 and a pair of side walls 516 thatcooperate to form a track 518 within which the first connector 504 isslidably and releasably received. The display support 502 is configuredto position the display 35 at a vertical height that is substantiallysimilar to the height h′ of the head of a seated user to provide anatural viewing height for on-site participants.

Using connector 504 allows a user to move display 35 to variouspositions within an office environment (FIG. 19) which improves ease ofvideo-conferencing between various office configurations by allowingon-site participants easily and conveniently to move the display 35 fromlocation to location without requiring mounting and unmounting of thedisplay 35 from the display support 512. For example, the displaysupport 512 may be alternatively supported by and moved between a chairassembly 24 a, a worksurface or desk arrangement 520, a partition wall522, storage units 524, and the like. Benefits include the ability toeasily transform a location with a coupler arrangement into avideo-conferencing environment. Benefits also include the ability of auser to set up the display such that he can video-conference withouthaving to hold the display, thereby allowing for hands-freevideo-conferencing and hands-free engagement with the display. In someembodiments, on-site participants may also use displays to view andinteract with data.

The present inventive video-conferencing office system, and inparticular the seating unit with the video-conferencing office system isadapted to promote and facilitate face-to-face communication between anon-site participant and a remote user by supporting either one or aplurality of displays at a vertical height substantially similar to theheight of the head of a seated person. It is noted that the variousinventive concepts as disclosed herein may be combined with one anotherso as to provide a highly effective and flexible display supportingarrangement allowing one or a plurality of displays to be supported andviewed from a position in front of a seating unit, even when thatseating unit is being utilized by an on-site participant. Althoughseveral embodiments are illustrated in connection within an officeenvironment, the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be utilized inconjunction with a variety of environments where video communication isuseful, including for example, the home. The present inventive conceptsmay be utilized with conventional seating arrangements, are highlyeffective in use by increasing the overall effectiveness of a givenoffice system by leveraging the space between on-site conferenceparticipants such as the space located between seated on-site conferenceparticipants including the open area between chairs or other seatingarrangements. Various embodiments may more closely mimic in-personcommunication for all participants than current video-conferencingsystems by the positioning of the remote user with respect to otherparticipants. Other technical benefits associated with particularembodiments may include these or other advantages associated with videocommunication without the costs often associated with dedicatedvideo-conferencing rooms.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seating unit, comprising: a base; a seatincluding a support surface mounted on the base and adapted to support aseated user thereon; a back supported by the base and extending upwardlyfrom the seat to support the back of a seated user; and a displaysupport coupled to the back so as to extend at least partially above theback, the display support being adapted to position a display in aforwardly-facing orientation with respect to the seating unit at leastpartially above the back for use while located on the seating unit. 2.The seating unit of claim 1, wherein the display support is movablebetween an in-use position, wherein the display is viewable from alocation in front of the back, and a storage position, wherein thedisplay is at least partially obscured from view from the location infront of the back.
 3. The seating unit of claim 2, wherein the displayis pivotably movable between the in-use position and the storageposition.
 4. The seating unit of claim 3, wherein the display ispositioned at least partially behind the back assembly when the supportarrangement is in the storage position.
 5. The seating unit of claim 1,wherein the back includes a first connector and the display supportincludes a second connector that releasably engages the first connector.6. The seating unit of claim 5, wherein the first connector comprises achannel extending laterally across the back.
 7. The seating unit ofclaim 1, wherein the display support is adapted to allow adjustment ofthe display between a first position, wherein at least a portion of thedisplay extends above the back and at least partially beyond a side ofthe back, and a second position, wherein the display does not extendbeyond a side of the back.
 8. The seating unit of claim 1, wherein thedisplay support is releasably coupled to at least one of the base, theseat and the back.
 9. The seating unit of claim 1, further comprising: aheadrest adapted to support the head of a seated user.
 10. The seatingunit of claim 9, wherein the headrest is releasably coupled to thedisplay support.
 11. The seating unit of claim 1, wherein the seatingunit comprises a chair.
 12. The seating unit of claim 1, wherein thedisplay support is adapted to support a video-conferencing device.
 13. Avideo-communication handheld device support, comprising: a supportadapted to releasably position a video-communication enabled handhelddevice in a generally vertical orientation therefrom when the support isin an upright position; a flexible body attached to the support, thebody being capable of being arranged in a first configuration thatpositions the support in a stable upright position from a generally flatsurface and a second configuration that positions the support in astable upright position on a narrow surface, the flexible body furtherincluding portions of the flexible body that extend below and on eitherside of the narrow surface when positioned in the second configuration;and wherein a video-communication enabled handheld device may beadjustably positioned on flat or narrow surfaces for video-communicationapplications in a variety of settings.
 14. The video-communicationhandheld device support of claim 13, wherein the narrow surfacecomprises a chair backrest.
 15. The video-communication handheld devicesupport of claim 13, wherein the video-communication enabled handhelddevice comprises a tablet.
 16. The video-communication handheld devicesupport of claim 13, wherein of the flexible body includes a pluralityof sections segmented from one another.
 17. The video-communicationhandheld device support of claim 16, wherein sections of the flexiblebody are coupled to one another by at least one flexible portionextending therebetween.
 18. The video-communication handheld devicesupport of claim 17, wherein the sections of the flexible body include afirst balance weight and a second balance weight adapted to extend belowand on either side of the narrow surface and inhibit movement of thesupport in a forward direction and a rearward direction with respect tothe narrow surface.
 19. The video-communication handheld device supportof claim 18, wherein the support includes a laterally extending grooveadapted to receive a portion of the video-communication enable handhelddevice therein.
 20. The video-communication handheld device support ofclaim 19, wherein the support incudes a first raised portion and asecond raised portion that cooperate to define the groove therebetween,and wherein the first raised portion extends to a greater height thanthe second raised portion.
 21. A furniture system, comprising: a displaysupport adapted to position a display in a generally upright orientationfor use in video-conferencing applications, the display support includesa first connector; a seating unit having a seat and back, the seatingunit including a second connector adapted to connect with the firstconnector and position the display at least partially above the back ofthe seating unit and in a generally upright orientation for use invideo-conferencing applications while located on the seating unit; andanother furniture unit that includes a third connector that is adaptedto connect with the first connector and position the display in agenerally upright orientation for use in video-conferencing applicationswhile located on the another furniture unit.
 22. A furniture system ofclaim 21, wherein the display support is adapted to position the displayin a forwardly-facing orientation with respect to the seating unit whilelocated on the seating unit.
 23. The furniture system of claim 22,wherein the display support is movable between an in-use position,wherein the display is viewable from a location in front of the back,and a storage position, wherein the display is at least partiallyobscured from view from the location in front of the back while locatedon the seating unit.
 24. The furniture system of claim 23, wherein thedisplay unit is pivotably movable between the in-use position and thestorage position while located on the seating unit.
 25. The furnituresystem of claim 24, wherein the display is positioned at least partiallybehind the back assembly when the support arrangement is in the storageposition while located on the seating unit.
 26. The furniture system ofclaim 21, wherein the second connector comprises a channel extendinglaterally across the back of the seating unit.
 27. The furniture systemof claim 21, wherein the display support is releasably coupled to atleast one of the seat and the back while located on the seating unit.28. The furniture system of claim 21, wherein the seating unit furtherincludes a headrest adapted to support the head of a seated user. 29.The furniture system of claim 21, wherein the seating unit comprises achair.
 30. The furniture system of claim 21, wherein the display iscontained within a video-conferencing handheld device.